Job Discussion Forums

James Bay · Joined: 03 Jul 2005 Posts: 22

I staretd the EMB process in July...It took them just about 4 full weeks to assess my salary... In the end I was assessed at Point 22 - 26,540HK... I am trying to find out why only at Point 22, - [which I 'believe' could also be a BAR point for me] - because I am a fully certified teacher,over 12 years experience as a teacher with the government, a TEFL certificate of 120 hours that also included teaching experience with it.

At any rate, how much would I clear [apx.] for myself at the end of each month based on a salary of 26,540HK - after any deductions etc.etc. from my salary? Thank you.

munasa · Joined: 17 Apr 2003 Posts: 79 Location: HK

Point 22 is fairly reasonable for your experience. I don't know all the ins and outs -- sometimes the decisions made don't seem to make much sense. You might find that point 24 is your ceiling. I am stuck on point 24 myself after a lot more years of experience than you have.
No deductions are taken from your salary. You will need to save some of it for income tax, which you pay in a lump sum each year.
If you are eligible for the special allowance, that will be added to your salary each month.

hkteach · Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 202 Location: Hong Kong

Hi James Bay,
Your salary point is determined by your qualifications. If you have a degree, your years of experience POST DEGREE determine your starting point on the MPS (Master Pay Scale). You will be eligible to progress to the top of this scale IF you have a degree.
If you don't have a degree, you will not be able to reach the top of the MPS no matter how much experience you have. There is a 'barrier' point (can't remember what it is, but Point 22 may be correct).

Although your base salary is 26540 HKD, if you are normally resident in a country other than HK, you will receive the 'Special Allowance' - at the moment, it's 10,500HKD a month (down from 13000 a couple of years ago and now looking like increasing again,due to big rent increases and a lot of work by the NESTA committee) so your total salary package will be 36540HKD a month - MUCH better!
Depending on the area where you choose/need to live, you will be able to rent a place for that or less.
As has been said by munasa, tax is not deducted from your salary month by month but you have to pay it later after your tax is calculated. Your first tax bill will be fairly low as it will only be for a part year. The second and subsequent ones are big, so you need to save every month. I'm currently facing a BIG bill of around 120000HKD!!

One last thing...... don't worry about the four week wait - it's par for the course in HK. In fact, many of us had to wait much longer than that. But we NETs hope it happens soon for all in your position - we want you to come soon so we can work in one school instead of two!

hkgirlo · Joined: 05 Oct 2004 Posts: 57 Location: Hong Kong

Interesting. I have no idea how they figure out the pay scale. I have 5 years experience and am on a lower scale because apparently teaching kindergarten doesnt count as real teaching. I'd like to see them battle it out with KG teachers- its more challenging than anything ive ever done.
You can ask for it to be reassessed but I wouldn't complain, you are on more than I am : )

Horizontal Hero · Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 12:49 pm Post subject:

I'd be happy with point 22. I have B/A (hons), dip. ed., 15 years of post qual teaching incl. head teacher and director of studies in ESL programs, and soon to have a PhD... and I got put on point 19. Apparently because the word "evening" appeared on one of my documents it didn't count. .i.e. my document read: "X's classes inluded morning, afternoon and evening classes." "Evening" is a dirty word for the EMB. It doesn't count as education. No learning will occur beyond 5.00PM - ever - by order of the EMB. Whatever you do, don't mention the "E" word.

LV · Joined: 22 Oct 2005 Posts: 11 Location: Australia/Hong Kong

Is that true? You must be able to apeal this type of discrimination. Surely the institution where you taught could write a letter explaing the role you had. I had to get my individual schools to write letters for me as the Government official record of employment was not sufficient. Still there must be a way to get your qualification recognised.

hkgirlo · Joined: 05 Oct 2004 Posts: 57 Location: Hong Kong

appeal? The Emb doesnt know what that means. Haha. Their only response would be: cannot.

Toosey-Jay · Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 28

Any good??

jackmack · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 15 Location: Brunei

With regard to t he comment about allowances. Is it true that as a married couple you get only one allowance?

J

Hkguy · Joined: 18 Jun 2006 Posts: 13

Hi Jack... married couples in the NET scheme can only claim one housing allowance.

briandwest · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 98 Location: Hong Kong

Yes, HKGuy, it's true.